Globalization and research issues in transportation

This paper concentrates on the dualistic role of transportation as a pro-active agent of globalization and as a beneficiary of its development. Surprisingly, transportation is possibly the least researched element in the complex of factors that foster a changing world economy. The goal is to suggest areas that require an informed social science perspective based on research that will enhance theoretical understandings and policy formulations. Beginning with a focus on changes in the nature of demand for transportation and its supply, the discussion considers issues relating to regional inequalities in accessibility, standardization for multimodal transport, and governance of global transportation. The vulnerability of transport-dependent globalization, and the role of transportation in the dematerialization of society for sustainable development are also areas suggested for extended research.